Public Statement: Local Elections 2019

Hartlepool Labour would, first and foremost, like to thank Hartlepool residents who came out to support the party at the local elections on Thursday and commits to continuing its relentless focus on improving our town for everyone who lives here; fighting for better jobs, cleaner neighbourhoods, safer streets, better healthcare, a stronger and more prosperous town.

However, we are not complacent, these elections are a wake-up call for Labour, Hartlepool people have had enough and are demanding change. The leader of the Council, Christopher Akers-Belcher, should accept the people’s will and resign immediately.

The local Labour Party is united behind its settled policy of having no confidence in the leadership of the council and join with Hartlepool residents in demanding Councillor Akers-Belcher resign.

Going forward we need new leadership, new policy and a new way of doing things that respects and reflects the wishes of Hartlepool people.

More broadly the local Party recognises the discontent at the national handling of Brexit. The Party stands united with our local MP, Mike Hill, no second referendum and an orderly exit from the EU as quickly as possible and to respect the wishes of voters.